Survive Flu Season![]
Tis the season for colds! Can Aqours stay healthy?
|
Story 1 |
|---|
| Chika: *Cough* *Cough*
You: Chika, are you okay? Chika: Yeah... Dia: Are you sure? It's flu season. If you feel even the tiniest bit sick, don't try to push it. Get plenty of rest. Chika: I'm fine, I'm fine! I don't have a fever, and I don't feel achy or sluggish. Riko: You know, I've been thinking this all day... Chika, you sound a little hoarse. Chika: I do? Ahem. Ah-ah-aaah. I can't tell. Hanamaru: I have some lozenges. Want one? Chika: Thanks, Hanamaru? Yum, it's even mikan orange flavored! *Chomp* Oh, that's so good... Dia: It's very easy to catch something this time of year. Be diligent about your hygiene and don't pick up any nasty bugs. Chika: Yeah, yeah... Dia: Don't "yeah, yeah" me. One "yeah" is enough! Such a sluggish response... You sure you're feeling all right? Chika: Yes, ma'am. Ruby: There really is something going around. A lot of people in our class are out sick. Mari: This year in particular is quite cold. Maybe that's it? Riko: You think so? It doesn't feel that cold out to me. Kanan: Really? I think it's freezing. I was thinking of getting extra blankets out when I go to sleep tonight. Yoshiko: Imagine, being bedridden by a little cold! You humans are such fragile creatures. Of course, human viruses have no effect on Yohane. Hanamaru: Huh? Didn't you once pass out from the flu right before a test? Yoshiko: Urk! Dia: It's nearly impossible to fully prevent colds, but we can mitigate the spread. To that end... Chika! Chika: Yes?! Dia: Before you ate... Actually, before you came into the room, did you wash your hands? Chika: Ack! N-No, I didn't... Dia: Washing your hands is the first line of defense against the spread of cold germs! Being lazy in the middle of cold season is the height of foolishness! Chika: I-I'm sorry! Oh, geez, what should I do? Is that lozenge gonna give me a cold now? Hanamaru: I'm sorry, Chika! It's my fault for giving it to you, zura... Riko: Calm down, you two. It's not guaranteed she'll get sick. I mean, there are times when I'll have chocolate or cookies without rinsing or anything, and I'm fine. Mari: In other words, Riko lives her life in the danger zone! Riko: ?! Kanan: Dia, did you wash your hands and gargle and everything before you came here? Dia: No... I'm afraid I forgot today. Mari: Really? You forgot the most basic of basics? Dia: I haven't eaten or drank anything since coming to the club room! And I always carry hand sanitizer with me just in case! You: So that's why you haven't had any snacks today... Yoshiko: Talk about prepared... Kanan: An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. If you get sick, you're not the only one who suffers. Chika: That's true. I'll start paying more attention. I'll wash my hands before I eat, and... what else can you do to protect yourself from getting sick? Ruby: Staying warm, I guess? Keeping your body warm makes it harder for the germs to get you sick. Mari: Getting plenty of sleep's important, too. Otherwise, fatigue will start building up. It's bad for your skin, too. Yoshiko: Know the proper enchantments to ward off the demons of disease. Hanamaru: Prepare a child’s favorite treats. Chika: Suck on a cough drop if your throat hurts! Riko: If your throat hurts, you should go to the doctor… Wait, something sounded a bit weird! Hanamaru, what was that about treats? Hanamaru: I read in a book that the germ fairies take the forms of children, zura. Hanamaru: So I’d give them treats and pray they’d take them instead of infecting me, zura! You: Wow… I have to admit, I’m kinda surprised to hear you of all people talk about fairies, Hanamaru. Ruby: I wonder if there were germ fairies flying around all the times I was sick in bed. I kinda wanna know what they’re like. Mari: If they want lots of treats, they need to leave me fit and healthy, is that their logic? Kanan: It's not logic so much as a trade. Yoshiko: Bait... Simple, but effective. Most creatures let their guard down around someone who's fed them. That's your chance to make them do whatever you want! Riko: I think we're going off on a tangent. As for other ways to stay healthy... How about avoiding crowds? You: Eat a whole lot to keep up your stamina! Right? Chika: Stamina? Meaning... Meat! Hanamaru: Meat! Yoshiko: They switched gears fast! You: Eat lots of protein, increase your stamina, and build a germ-proof body! Chika: Fried chicken, steak, barbecue, and hamburger steak! Ruby: Oh, now my stomach's growling! Mari: If you're craving a steak, I know a fantastic steakhouse. Shall we go? Together: Yes! Kanan: Wait up, Mari. Is this a place high schoolers can just waltz right into? Or is there a dress code? Riko: How did we end up making plans to go out for steak? Dia: We can't go. We won't go! You're all much too relaxed. We need to focus on ways to avoid getting sick right now! |
|
Story 2 |
|---|
Dia: We are executing a health awareness improvement plan!  Chika: Health awareness improvement plan?
Dia: That's right. We're smack dab in the middle of flu season and it's clear to me that no one here is taking their health seriously. Dia: You'll never be able to defend against a virus's overwhelming assault as you are now! Riko: Th-That bad, huh? Chika: I haven't forgotten to wash my hands or gargle once since last time! Hanamaru: I ate a ton of beef, so I've got plenty of energy, zura! Kanan: Huh? Did you and Mari actually go to that steakhouse? Hanamaru: Nope. But yesterday for dinner, I made beef-stuffed bell peppers. I filled my belly and my energy meter. I'm on cloud nine, zura! Mari: Tee-hee. I still want to take you all to the steakhouse one day, though. Dia: You need to avoid fatty meats. Go with chicken breast instead, it's a great source of lean protein... Hey, don't change the subject to meat again! Dia: WE're going to try and build on that momentum today, and practice our preventative measures together! You: O-Ooh... This sounds like a big deal. By the time we head home, we'll all be the picture of health! Yoshiko: Hmph. My body is far beyond human comprehension, so I expect this will be boring. Still, I suppose there's no harm in humoring you. Ruby: Even fallen angels can get the flu. Yoshiko: Bwuh! I-I told you not to bring that up again! Chika: So what are we going to practice, exactly? Since we already wash our hands and gargle... Staying warm, like Ruby said? Dia: Don't worry. I've got a plan for everything. Ley's get started! Dia: Is everyone changed? You: Are we going to exercise? Dia: Yes. But it's not jogging or lifting weights. Today, we're doing yoga! Chika: Yoga! You mean, like, stretching our arms and legs out in all kinds of poses? Dia: That's a... unique way of putting it, but essentially, yes. That's what yoga is. Riko: When I think of yoga, I think more of the mental and spiritual side of training. You're saying it helps prevent sickness, too? Kanan: I have heard that yoga boosts your immune function, helps balance your hormones, and even reduces your sensitivity to cold temperatures. Ruby: Wow, it does all that? All I ever heard was that it's good to do when you're on a diet. Dia: The key to yoga is proper breathing. Breathing correctly fills every part of your body with fresh oxygen, activates your cells, and increase your metabolism. Dia: Deep breathing also relaxes the body and releases pent-up stress. Yoga is the best way to balance mind and body. Hanamaru: I've heard of yoga, but this'll be the first time I've done it, zura. We'll train our minds and bodies, escape the cycle of death and rebirth, and reach Nirvana! Yoshiko: Huh?! Z-Zuramaru, what're you talking about? Hanamaru: I'm saying we're all gonna take the first step towards true enlightenment, zura! Ruby: H-Hanamaru, get a grip! Your eyes are glazing over! Chika: Hghk... Rrrgh... This pose is really hard! Riko: C-Can't breathe... Dia: Don't... stop... breathing! Mari: Hnnn... This's tough... You: Yoshiko, you're leaning! Kanan: Straight and tall, straight and tall! Yoshiko: Ugh... Why's it so easy... for you two?! Hanamaru: Clear your mind. Empty your thoughts. Discard all fear and doubts, and accept the world as it is. I am one with the universe, yet there's a universe within me... Ruby: *Whimper* Hanamaru's freaking me out... Dia: Health awareness improvement plan, part two! We'll improve our natural recovery with smiles! Mari: Smiles? Chika: Oh, yeah! They say that laughter is the best medicine. Even forcing a smile helps. You: Force smiles work, too? Riko: It activates the cells in the body responsible for healing. Ruby: A big laugh always puts you in a good mood. It only makes sense that it's be good for your health! Hanamaru: Good fortune come to those who laugh, zura! Yoshiko: Heh, heh. Yohane's smile will bring such joy that all who behold it shall fall from grace as I have. Prepare yourselves, humans! Kanan: Joy that'll send you straight to Hell... That's certainly a fresh take on happiness. Dia: Let's start right away. Take a look at this. Chika: A CD? What's on it? Dia: I got it from a video rental store. It's guaranteed to leave us all in stitches... It's a longform comedy CD with nothing but 5-star reviews! Riko: A longform comedy? You: It's not a comedy movie or TV show? Hanamaru: Stand-up! Sounds fun, zura! Kanan: Whoa, how many of these did you get? You're not planning on having us listen to all of these today, are you? Dia: Of course I am. And there's more of the health awareness improvement plan after we finish. Kanan: Seriously? What time are we going to get home tonight? Mari: Or are we staying here overnight? Ruby: There's spare rooms, so we'll be okay! Dia: Okay, everyone! Let's laugh until our bellies hurt! |
|
Story 3 |
|---|
| Chika: Oww, oww, oww...
Riko: I haven't been this sore in a while. You: Are you two okay? Riko: You seem fine. You: Nah, I'm right there with you. My abs kinda hurt when I laugh. Probably because of all those comedy CDs we listened to yesterday. You: I've never laughed so much that my stomach hurt the next day! Ha, ha, ha! Oof... Ha, ha, ha, ha! Owww... Chika: Yoga, stand-up, acupressure, breathing exercises, tai chi, aromatherapy, animal therapy, classical music, and bawling at sad movies! What DIDN'T we do? Chika: After all that, do you think we're totally healthy now? Riko: Not after just one day, even if we didn't stop from sunup to sundown. You have to do them every day to see any benefit. Chika: We have to spend every day like that?! You: No, that would suck up every waking moment. I think it's best to pick one thing and stick with it. I think I might try out tai chi! Riko: *Giggle* You did look like you'd be good at it yesterday. What new thing should I try? Chika: I wanna keep improving my health by laughing! Oh, and I'm gonna pet Shiitake at home more, too. Who knew the day would come when he'd make me healthier? You: Oh, right! All this health talk reminds me, did you two get your you-know-whats yet? Chika, Riko: You-know-whats?! Dia: Vaccinations? Kanan: Oh, you mean flu shots? Yeah, I got mine. Chika: Already?! Kanan: You gotta get it done before peak flu season. You: So Kanan already got hers... Guess I'd better get mine before it's too late. Riko: The clinics will probably start getting busy soon. If you wait too long, they'll run out. Kanan: I have to mind my family's shop too, so I didn't have any choice. Chika, your family runs a business out of your home too. Shouldn't you get your shot soon? Chika: Ughh... I... I know, but... Kanan: But? Chika: *Sniff* It's... It's gonna hurt... Mari: I know, right? Doesn't it seem like flu shots hurt so much worse than getting your blood drawn or other vaccinations? Ruby: Exactly! When they stab that needle into me, the tears... the tears just well up, and... Yoshiko: Your tear glands go off at the drop of a hat. Ruby: Huh? Yoshiko, it doesn't bother you? Yoshiko: What you humans call pain is but the gentle stroke of a feather. If it really is that bad though, I'll teach you a special trick to reduce the pain. Ruby: R-Really? What do I have to do? Yoshiko: First, you close your eyes, and let your mind fly away to another dimension! If you imagine that the pain of the shot's going somewhere else, it'll hurt much less. Ruby: Hmm... I think I've done that plenty of times. Yoshiko: What?! Ruby, you've already used the secret art of pain reduction that Yohane has spent eons developing?! And multiple times? Hanamaru: Not just her. I think we've all tried it before, zura. Dia: Influenza can be serious if you don't take proper precautions. Your health should be your number one priority at this time of year. Dia: Anyone who hasn't gotten vaccinated must do so immediately! Chika: Wow, it's getting really packed in here! Are all these people coming in for flu shots? Chika: (It was pretty empty when I gave them my paperwork, so I probably won't have to wait too long. Ugh... This is so nerve-racking.) Chika: (But if I don't get the shot and catch the flu, I'll have to stay home from school for at least a week. That's a week of no singing, dancing, or practice.) Chika: (And even once I'm on the mend, I probably won't be able to do much for a while. And if I infected my family or our guests, that'd be awful.) Chika: (I know it's gonna hurt, but I can't put everyone else at risk. I've gotta endure the pain!) Chika: Oh, y-yes! Right here! Ugh... They called me already... Okay, let's do this. I'm ready! Ruby: Eek... Ack... Thank you... Dia: Welcome back, Ruby. How're your tear ducts holding up? Ruby: I-I'm fine. I'm in high school now, you know. I didn't cry! Dia: Yes, yes. You were very brave. Ruby: Ugh... The injection spot still stings... It feels so hot and sore. Dia: Me too. It's just proof that your body's making antibodies. Hopefully this is all we'll have to deal with. Ruby: We've gotta be on the lookout for side effects for another half an hour. I hope we'll be okay... Dia: Yes. Now, what can we do to kill a half hour? Let's see... How about Word Chain? We'll play in English. Ruby: E-English?! Dia: Well, it'd be boring to just sit around, right? And normal Word Chain would be too easy. This is a good chance to bolster your vocabulary. Dia: You have to say a word that starts with the last letter of the word the last person said. Ruby: I-I think doing it the regular way is perfectly fine... Dia: I'll start. Ruby: Wait! Mari: Hello, everyone! Here's to another day of blasting those cold and flu germs away! Riko: You're certainly worked up, Mari. Kanan: She got her flu shot. Mari: That's one mission crossed off this year's to-do list! Chika: I went too. Ruby: Dia and I went together too. Hanamaru: So did I. The clinic was a madhouse. I had to wait forever, zura. You: Me too! So that makes everyone, right? Yoshiko: Urk, everyone beat me... I don't yet have the power within my body to exorcise the demons of disease! Dia: In other words, you haven't gotten your shot yet, Yoshiko. Yoshiko: I checked with my family doctor, and they said they're all out of vaccines. They're on order now. Riko: That's... unlucky. |
|
Story 4 |
|---|
| Dia: Good morning, Mari.
Mari: Good morning, Dia! Dia: Hmm? Where's Kanan? Mari: She's not here yet. Dia: I see. It's rare for her to be late. Normally she'd have been here by now. Mari: Maybe she slept in? I guess even Kanan has her careless moments. Chika: Kanan's... You: Sick?! Dia: Yes. She still hadn't come to school by the time homeroom started, and I was worried enough to ask the teacher. It turns out she's home sick... Ruby: I thought if anyone would be safe, it'd be her... Hanamaru: It's always the person you'd least expect, zura. Chika: Kanan doesn't have the... f-flu, does she? Dia: No, luckily it's just a cold. Well, it's not that lucky, but you know what I mean. Mari: I texted her during lunch. Look what she said. You: Lemme see! "I had some really good soup." "But needs more green onion." "I'm so bored." "I wanna go jogging." Yoshiko: She seems fine to me. Chika: Thank goodness! Hey, why don't we all go to check on her later? You: Hmm... You think it'd be okay for the whole lot of us to show up at once? Mari: No problem. I already asked her! Riko: You're really on top of things. You: If we're going, we should bring her something. Chika: What helps a cold? Oh, I know! Medicine! Dia: If over-the-counter medications aren't enough, a doctor will prescribe something. She won't need us to buy anything extra. Mari: Green onions will clear her sinuses right up! We'll wrap a huge one around her neck! Chika: I've always wondered how you're supposed to do that. Wouldn't it just snap in half? Or is that what's supposed to happen? Hanamaru: You can't wrap a single scallion. You chop them into lengths of about 4 inches, slice them longways, and heat them up. Hanamaru: Then you wrap them up in gauze or a handkerchief and put them on your neck. Chika: Wow... So that's the secret? Well, I learned something new today. You sure now your stuff. Thanks, Hanamaru! Hanamaru: Hee, hee, hee. You're welcome, zura! Yoshiko: The demons of disease are weak to the water element. She needs to drink lots of water. Ruby: We'll grab her a sports drink too, then... Oh, wow. There are so many different kinds. Which one should we get? Yoshiko: Mu, ha, ha. Allow Yohane to find the perfect drink for Kanan. Step aside, Ruby. Ruby: What're you gonna do? Yoshiko: Just watch. Spirits of water that wander the land, answer my call! Lead me to the liquid that will heal my ailing servant! Ruby: Huh?! Wait, what're you... Eek! The clerk's giving us a weird look! I-I-I'm sorry! I swear we're not going to cause any trouble... Yoshiko: Great oracle, speak to me! Ruby: Yoshiko, at least quiet down a little... Hanamaru: If you're under the weather, you need food that goes down easy, zura. Let's see... Jelly, pudding, yogurt... Chika: Hanamaru, the cart's full! Aren't you buying a little too much? Hanamaru: Since I don't know what Kanan would prefer, I thought it was best to get as much variety as possible. We can just eat anything left over, zura! Mari: Maybe some tofu would be good too? With a little sea salt and olive oil, it's quite delicious. Chika: W-Wow, that's really fancy... Hanamaru: You can have tofu with more than just soy sauce or miso soup, zura?! Riko: Dia, Mari, do you know if Kanan likes pickled plums? I've heard cooked ones are good for colds. You: If we're gonna cook something, let's use mikan oranges instead! I'll go look for a hot plate! Riko: We can just use the stove at her house... Dia: Why do our shopping trips always turn into shopping sprees? Dia: Kanan hates pickled plums. Don't bother with it, Riko. Kanan: Come on in! Chika: Thanks for having us. Riko: Sorry it's such a big group. How're you feeling? Kanan: Still a little tired, but I ate a lot and took a nice nap, so I'm feeling a lot better than before. Sorry to worry you all. Hanamaru: Thank goodness! You look fine, so that's a big relief, zura. You: We stopped by the store on the way over and got you a few things. Yoshiko: This sports drink is enchanted with Yohane's magic. Drink it and you'll be fully recovered tomorrow! Ruby: Yoshiko... I really thought they were going to call security on us... Mari: I have to say, I was surprised to hear that you of all people got sick, Kanan. Do you know how you caught it? Kanan: Well... To tell the truth, I've had the chills for a little while thanks to this cold weather. I did think about keeping myself warmer, of course... Chika: I remember you saying something about wanting more blankets because it's been so chilly. Kanan: But I never did anything about it. Beyond that, I haven't been careful about drying my hair after getting out of the bath... things like that. Dia: In other words, you slacked off and the germs took advantage of that, right? Kanan: Yup... Shame on me! Riko: Don't blame yourself. We all tend to shrug off stuff that we shouldn't. As long as you learn from your mistakes, it's okay. Dia: Agreed. And on that note, perhaps we need to take another look at what it means to be healthy and preventing sickness. Therefore... Chika: Huh? You: You can't mean... Riko: Deja vu... Dia: I hereby declare a second health awareness improvement plan! I'm going to pack a lot more stuff in this time, so prepare yourselves everyone! Together: I knew it... |